http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=2fc53756a48bb73a
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Congressman seeks San Bernard River funding
“You’ve got a big mouth.” That’s hardly ever a compliment when directed at a
person. But that’s what advocacy groups such as the Gulf Intracoastal Canal
Association and the Friends of the River San Bernard are hoping they can say
about the river soon.
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Surfside, is seeking $5 million as part of a larger Energy
and Water Appropriations bill to dredge the mouth of the San Bernard River. The
dredged material would bolster nearby dunes. In addition, the funds would
provide erosion protection such as jetties to keep the mouth from closing again.
The river’s mouth began closing in 1990, says Friends’ member Roy Edwards. He
says opening the mouth would provide a myriad of benefits — improve current flow
problems at the Brazos River’s flood gates, reduce flooding, improve the river’s
ecology and local economy and recover river sand for area beaches.
Raymond Butler is the executive director of the GICA, a nonprofit organization
that seeks federal funding to maintain and protect the Intracoastal Waterway.
It’s been instrumental in educating Paul about the problems the clogged river’s
mouth poses. The total monetary loss per year caused by the delays to Texas
businesses that use the waterway is estimated at $1.6 million, Butler said.
We applaud the effort by all those involved to resuscitate an important part of
our county, as well as one that is such a crucial link in the chain of coastal
commerce.